Armour vs. Other Brands (NDT, T3, etc)

Natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) products in BLUE. You will also find additional and excellent information concerning NDT in general, including historical information, in Chapter 2 of the revised STTM book.

Over-the counter (OTC) brands in GREENT3-only brands in PINK.

This page is to help thyroid patients decide which product works best for them. Check with your doctor if there are any concerns, please.

NOTE:

1) All natural desiccated thyroid (NDT) products below contain T4, T3, T2, T1 and calcitonin. Some are measured, as shown; some are not, as shown.

2) Prescription brands meet the strict guidelines of the US Pharmacopeia.

3) NDT in total is measured in milligrams (mg), i.e. one grain equals 60 or 65 mg; the individual hormones like T3 and T4 are measured in micrograms (mcg).

4) When mentioning the T4 and T3 in these natural products, the companies use the “synthetic” terminology, like “levothyroxine” for the T4, and “liothyronine” for the T3…but they are NOT synthetic products.

WARNING: though some of the contents for each medication or supplement was from their websites, this page as a whole comes under the DMCA or Digital Millennium Copyright Act, meaning this page is protected under copyright law. That means you are not welcome to copy this entire page, or sections, without asking for permission from Stop the Thyroid Madness LLC.

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THESE TWO PRESCRIPTION NDT’S BELOW i.e NP and ARMOUR, ARE READILY AVAILABLE:

NP THYROID, aka just called “ACELLA” by many patients, is an excellent brand of desiccated thyroid since 2010, and has always received good reviews via patient reports. Made by the company called Acella, you can do it sublingually, which patients like. Active ingredients are listed as 38 mcg levothyroxine (T4) and 9 mcg liothyronine (T3) per one grain (60 mg), though like all desiccated thyroid, has all five hormones. Sometimes pharmacies will call it generic, but Acella says no, it’s a name brand. So if you are substituted with NP Thyroid, it’s a GOOD thing. .

NP Thyroid has no wheat products in their tablets. Tablets can be oval-shaped; some are round, debossed on one side with “AP” and a3-digit code on the other side as shown below:

15 mg (1/4 grain) – “327

30 mg (1/2 grain) – “329”

60 mg (1 grain) – “330”

90 mg (1 1/2 grain) – “331”

120 mg (2 grain) – “328″

Other Ingredients include:

Calcium Stearate

Dextrose

Mineral oil (pharmaceutical grade and teeny tiny amount)

Maltodextrin (in older versions of Acella; newer versions may have this removed),

ARMOUR It’s made by Activas Pharmaceuticals/used to be made by Forest labs, and used to be the best on the market until Activas bought out Forest from 2015 onwards. The price tripled, and an awful lot of patients, who had done well on it for years, suddenly weren’t. Some feel they still do well on it, though, so it’s up to you

It is made in the following strengths: 1/4, 1/2, 1, 1 1/2, 2, 3, 4 and 5 grain tablets. The 3 and 5 grain tabs are scored., One grain is 60 mg and contains .038 mg (or 38 mcg) of T4 and 9 mcg of T3, plus unmeasured amounts of T2, T1 and calcitonin. The latter three are not removed, as rumor occasionally states. Each tablet contains:

Porcine Thyroid Powder, U.S. Pharmacopeia

Dextrose, Anhydrous (anhydrous means any water has been removed and makes the tablet more stable)

Microcrystalline Cellulose, NF

Sodium Starch Glycolate, NF

Calcium Stearate NF (stabilizer and lubricant)

Opadry White (Titanium dioxide used as whitening agent, but also contains trace amounts of PEG (polyethylene glycol), Polysorbate 80, and Hydroxypropyl Methycellulose. See below.) Armour Thyroid does not contain gluten or lactose. Neither does Westhroid-P.

THE NEXT THREE PRESCRIPTION NDTs ARE CURRENTLY PROBLEMATIC:

WESTMINSTER**new** as of late 2017UPDATE: Westminster had a recall of all their NDT in August/September 2018 due to using a Chinese manufacturer that wasn’t practicingGood Manufacturing Practices. No, no one was harmed by using Westminster. It was a precaution. I’m sure they will eventually find a better source.

Yes, this is a newer brand, considered a generic, of porcine Natural Desiccated Thyroid by Westminster Pharmaceuticals, LLC in Florida, USA, a small pharmaceutical which was filed as an foreign LLC in 2014 and has a connection to India. They supply tablets as 15 mg (1/4 grain), 30 mg (1/2 grain), 60 mg (grain), 90 mg (1 1/2 grain) and 120 mg (2 grain). One grain has 38mcg of T4 and 9mcg of T3, so you can use that to figure out the different sizes. Tablets are light tan with WP on one side, not be confused with WP Thyroid by RLC Labs. As of 2018, they primarily ship to Walgreen in the US, but are trying to expand that to others. Ingredients include:

desiccated porcine thyroid

microcrystalline cellulose

hypromellose

magnesium stearate.

Like all NDT’s, you will only see mention of T4 and T3 on the label, but they are porcine desiccated thyroid tablets and do contain all five thyroid hormones. The label says “once a day” but thyroid patients know it’s better to take NDT twice a day, like morning and early afternoon, since the T3 has a short half-life.

National Drug Codes (NDC#):. Because they consider this a generic, and since it’s fairly new, there are codes that your doctor may need to ensure you aren’t getting a generic T4 from your pharmacy, since there is no precise name for the Westminster version of NDT other than the maker name. The first number (69367) tells you that these meds are from Westminster. The other numbers are used to designate dosages as listed below:

120mg = 69367-15804

90mg = 69367- 15704

60mg = 69367 -15604

30mg = 69367- 15504

15mg = 69367- 15904

NATURETHROIDby RLC Labs (formerly Western Research Labs) See Westhroid-P below. UPDATE: RLC stopped production of their NDTs in 2017, stating it was due to updating their machinery. When it started to come back in 2018, an awful lot of patients stated that the “new” Naturethroid caused their symptoms to come back with a vengeance, and labs proved it. The most current list of added fillers to the Porcine Thyroid Powder are: Opadry II Clear coating is Polyvinyl Alcohol USP, Talc USP, Polyethylene Glycol NF. If you see something different on your Naturethroid bottle, let me know.

One grain is 65 mg (actually 64.8) and contains .038 mg (or 38 mcg) of T4 and 9 mcg of T3, plus unmeasured amounts of T2, T1 and calcitonin. Strengths are 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 1 grain, 1 1/4, 1 1/2, 1 3/4, 2 grains, 2 1/4, 2 1/2, 3, 4, and 5 grains. Before Naturethroid was reformulated in early 2010, it was stated to contain all the above, but the Opadry was listed as simply Opadry White (Titanium dioxide used as whitening agent, but also contains trace amounts of PEG (polyethylene glycol), Polysorbate 80, and Hydroxypropyl Methycellulose.) It also used to contain Sodium Starch Glycolate (synthetic and aids in disintegration in stomach), Carnauba Wax (sealed tablet) and Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) (clear coating)

Note: As compared to Naturethroid before the 2010 change, the typical smell of desiccated thyroid is now less intense. The tablets are now stamped with RLC on one side, and N over 1 on the other, whereas before you’d see just NT1 or a reference to the fact that Time Caps Labs (TCL) used to make Naturethroid for RLC Labs. Calcium filler has moved up from 16 mg to 17 mg. RLC states the old contained Magnesium, Potassium, and Sodium (each at less than 1 mg), whereas in the new, potassium is now removed. You may need to chew the tablets up to break down the cellulose.

WESTHROID-P — now called WP ThyroidUPDATE: as of 2018, totally unavailable unless you find pre-2018 stock.Also made by RLC Labs (see Naturethroid above). Stated to contain natural desiccated thyroid (porcine) plus only three fillers (they advertise that there are only two, but inserts in bottles are showing the third–Lactose): inulin (from chicory root), medium chain triglycerides aka MCT from coconut, and Lactose Monohydrate. NOTE that the latter three are miniscule. Strengths are 1/4, 1/2, 3/4, 1 grain, 1 1/2, 2. One grain equals 65 mg total, which is composed of 38 mcg T4 and 9 mcg T3–the others (T2, T1 and calcitonin) aren’t measured, but are there. RLC states it’s gluten free. http://wpthyroid.com/

Also directly from the insert “INACTIVE INGREDIENTS: Inulin, Medium Chain Triglycerides, Lactose Monohydrate*
*Present in traceable amount as part of Thyroid USP (diluent)”

THE NEXT THREE ARE OVER THE COUNTER, ORDERED OFF THE INTERNET:

THYROID-S (non-prescription) is from Sriprasit Pharma Co., Ltd. in Thailand (sister company of Sriprasit Dispensary R.O.P.) Advertising states that Sriprasit Pharma is “a leading importer of pharmaceutical products, and has been a GMP and ISO 9002-certified manufacturer of pharmaceutical products.” Patients report they are quite pleased with this product. Sriprasit states Thyroid-s is gluten-free, but a patient has reported classic gluten digestive symptoms with it. To see a photo of the tablet, go here. Tablets are light brown, round, coated. The ingredients, according to Pongsak Songpaisan of Sriprasit are:

Thyroid extract USP

Lactose (a milk sugar and is a filler)

PVP K90 (Polyvinylpyrolidone; water soluble coating/binder; no known hazard)

Patient states: The Thyroid-S tablets are brown with a hard coating, they do not dissolve well as is, but can be chewed. They have a papaya like taste similar to “Thiroyd” below. They are ordered over the internet.

THIROYD (yes, that’s how they spell it, non-prescription) by Greater Pharma Ltd., a leading Thai Pharmaceutical Manufacturer. An email to a patient by Greater Pharma states that “thiroyd” at one grain contains T3 at 8.31 microgram; T4 at 35 microgram, which is 0.013% and 0.058% respectively. Thyroid patient Samantha states: The Thiroyd tablets are white and have a sweet taste almost like papaya or a similar fruit. They dissolve very well sublingually and seem to have a very good potency. Entire paper insert with info is written in English: Greater Pharma Manufacturing Co. Ltd , 55/2 Phutthamonthon, Nakhon, Pathom. LikeThyroid-S, this is ordered over the net.

Another thyroid patient, Daniella, was told by the makers of Thiroyd that is free of aluminum, which is good news if you are avoiding excesses of aluminum for any reason.

To see a photo of the Thiroyd tablet (and two others), go here. They are ordered over the internet.

T.R. (non-prescription) is a desiccated thyroid product from Thailand that has been seen in 2015 more than previous years. It’s a hard-coated tablet that patients have to swallow, but seems to work according to the few patient reports we have seen. We know abysmally little about the ingredients, so it’s at your own risk. To see the tablet, go here. It is ordered over the internet.

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AUSTRALIA’s compounded thyroid: Desiccated thyroid in Australia is mostly done through compounding pharmacies and is usually called “thyroid extract”. A patient asked Australian Custom Pharmaceuticals, Australia’s largest compounding-only pharmacy, about their ingredients. It was stated that the only ingredients put in the capsules are the active ingredient (thyroid extract) and microcrystalline cellulose as the filler. But note: not everyone does well with cellulose fillers, so just in case, might be a good idea to ask for a different filler. Examples: rice base, turmeric, ginger, even vitamin C powder. Make sure you can tolerate what you ask for.

At ACP, 60mg (equivalent to 1 grain) contains 33.4mcg T4 and 8.37mcg of T3. However , together T4 and T3 may potentiate each other giving a therapeutic effect equivalent of 25mcg of T3 and 100mcg of T4 per 60mg. The thyroid extract in porcine derived, and it is bought from an overseas supplier. Australian Custom Pharmaceuticals Ph. 1300 853 620 Fax. 02 8536 4155 (Thanks to Juanita for providing this information)

CANADA’S “THYROID” aka ERFA, formerly by Pfizer and is now by Erfa. Note: beginning around May 2014 and continuing to today, many patients have reported Erfa was now causing a return of hypothyroid symptoms. Erfa denies a change, but there are too many negative reports from some patients now to think there hasn’t been a change, somehow. Click here.

Tablets come in 30, 60 and 125 mg tablets. They contain:

Dried Thyroid

Magnesium Stearate

Cornstarch

Talc

Sugar

Erfa’s Canadian Thyroid has slightly different ratios than the USP ratios of US brands:

In each Erfa 30 mg tablet embossed �ECI 30�, there is 18 mcg. of T4 and 4 mcg. of T3 (as compared to 19/4.5 in US brands) This is equivalent to the US one-half grain.

In each Erfa 60 mg tablet embossed �ECI 60�, there is 35 mcg. of T4 and 8 mcg. of T3(as compared to 38/9 in US brands) This is equivalent to the US one grain.

In each Erfa 125 mg tablet embossed �ECI 125�, there is 73 mcg. of T4 and 17 mcg. of T3(as compared to 76/18 in US brands) This is equivalent to the US two grains. http://www.erfa-sa.com/thyroid_en.htm, plus they have a question & answer forum: http://erfa-sa.erfa.net/

DENMARK’S THYREOïDUM for NETHERLANDSfrom Biofac in Kastrup, Denmark. Imported into the Netherlands from BUFA/Fargo, importers of pharmaceutical products.

Some websites state the T4/T3 ratio can vary from 2.3: 1 to 3.8: 1 depending on the lot. Meets standards of US Pharmacopoeia. Contains Microcrystalline cellulose as a filler. Also may contain lactose, sodium, chloride, starch, sucrose or glucose. (Thanks to thyroid patient Julia of the Netherlands for alerting me of this desiccated thyroid!)

DENMARK’S COMPOUNDED: The Thyroid in Denmark is made as a compound Thyroid, and is made at this pharmacy: Glostrup apotek. Contact person: Kristian Østergaard Nielsen, Phone number: (??)-43960020; mail: 109KN@apoteket.dk

Anna sent me this: the Kloesterl Apotheke (pharmacy) Munich Tel: 0049 (0)89 / 54 34 32 11 offers 4 different strengths: 25 mcgr T4+5.9 mcgr T3; 50 mcgr T4+11.8 mcgr T3; 75 mcgr T4+17.8 mcgr T3 ; 100 mcgr T4+23.7 mcgr T3. The 75 mcgr one is nearly exactly the equivalent of 2 grains of armour. Also they add the amino acid tyrosine in the capsules as a filler. She advises all Germans to phone them and get the leaflet. It’s more or less the only information about natural thyroid treatment available in Germany that one can take to a doctor.

MORE OVER THE COUNTER

NUTRI-MEDS BOVINE, a non-prescription brand of natural desiccated thyroid. As of 2018, porcine versions are not available as they used to be.This undated letter explains the loss of porcine, and keeping the bovine as a good product.

Lyophilized Bovine Thyroid Tissue

Gelatin from free range sources,

L-Leucine

L-Lysine

Silica

NO sugar, starch, salt, wheat, corn, yeast, dairy or soy derivatives.

Patients report that over-the-counter thyroid products, including Nutri-meds, are far weaker than all the brand names, so they have to take quite a lot.

THYROGOLD, called a “dietary supplement” to meet FDA rules, though patients report it working very well. Was created by the now-deceased John C. Lowe, and his wife currently sells it. Comes in 150 mg and 300 mg tablets. The mgs is NOT equivalent to the same mgs in prescription NDT tablets. i.e. 150 mg may be “similar in effect” to 1 1/4 grains, but that’s a subjective opinion by some. The thyroid powder in the tablets are from New Zealand pasture-fed cows, plus there is 25 mg of Coleus forskohlii, which is said to promote thyroid function. It is a popular OTC product!

THYROVANZ, relatively new to the OTC world, is said to be “natural whole food supplement”, and made from “100% pasture fed New Zealand prime beef”. They state it does not contain, gluten, soy, eggs, sugar or dairy, but its fillers are gelatin (the capsules and from a bovine source), Long Rice Flour (filler and non-allergenic, they state), Vegetable (Magnesium) Stearate (sourced from palm oil which is non-hydrogenated, non-GMO, and used to “to ensure encapsulation machinery functions correctly”), and Silica (to ensure dosages are accurate).. Made by Provanz Nutrition Ltd. Since they, like other non-prescription NDT makers, do not measure the T4 and T3 in their product, we can make no guarantees and have not seen enough lab work to verify anything.

T3 MEDICATIONS (synthetic, also called Liothyronine Sodium)–a star is in front of those that are stated to be gluten-free; others may be

All the below except the “Other” at the end have been reported by patients…ingredients listed to help patients who may need to avoid certain fillers…

CYTOMELby Phizer

calcium sulfate
gelatin
starch (from corn)
stearic acid
sucrose
talc

Phizer states they add no gluten-containing products, but can’t confirm cross contamination. Formula has been the same since 2005.

* LIOTHYRONINE SODIUM (Generic)by Libertas Pharma – formerly by Mayne Pharma, formerly Paddock/Perrigo) 5 mcg and 25 mcg and they have 220 on one side of the tablets, and the 5 or 25 on the other side (do they still?). The 25 mcg has a score line. They state no gluten, no corn.

THREE DEFUNCT DESICCATED THYROID MEDS or T3, i.e NOT AROUND ANY LONGER:

DIOTROXIN, by Aspen Pharmacare Ltd of South Africa, a combination of T4 thyroxine sodium at 90 mcg and T3 liothyronine sodium at 10 mcg. Discontinued in May of 2016

GENERIC NATURAL THYROID (which includes one called Qualitest) by TIME-CAPS LABS(as of 2009, this one appears to have been discontinued). It contained thyroid powder, microcrystalline cellulose, Dicalcium phosphate, Colloidal silicon dioxide, Sodium starch glycolate, Steric acid, Magnesium stearate, Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, and �other ingredients� (which we did not know). It was unpopular due to being weaker. Another generic maker was called URL, or United Research Labs, which is a sister company to Mutual Pharmaceutical. As of 8-07, it’s reported by a patient that Qualitest had the same smell as Armour, which is different than the lack of smell it had before. As of 2009, it may have also been discontinued. In 2009, an active generic still around by Major Pharmaceuticals, simply called Thyroid, or generic Thyroid, 31778 Enterprise Drive; Livonia, MI. 48150

THYROLAR:Thyrolar (liotrix), combination of synthetic T4 (levothyroxine sodium) and synthetic T3 (L-triiodothyronine), has not been available since 2009 with no explanation from Forest Labs. It had a ratio of four parts T4 to one part T3. No T2, T1 or calcitonin. The tablets needed to be kept refrigerated. Patients who’ve tried both Thyrolar and desiccated thyroid report the latter gives them far better results.

synthetically derived fiber base (similar to plant-derived). It is typically utilized as a filler in a tablet (to provide volume and bulk).

Dicalcium Phosphate

derived from a mined ore. It is typically utilized as a binder in a tablet (to hold all the ingredients during compression).

Colloidal Silicon Dioxide

derived from a mined ore. Typically utilized as a natural desiccant in a tablet (to provide barrier from moisture and humidity).

Sodium Starch Glycolate

Synthetically derived starch molecule (similar to potato starch). It is typically utilized as a disintegrating agent in a tablet (to aid in proper disintegration of the tablet in the stomach).

Magnesium Stearate

Derived from a vegetable source (typically palm oil). It is typically utilized as a lubricating agent in a tablet (to aid in proper compression of the tablet).

Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose

Derived from a plant cellulose base (typically cotton blend or wood pulp). It is typically utilized as a granulating agent in a tablet (to provide bulk and density to the tablet for proper compression) as well as part of a clear coating solution (with PEG).

Polysorbate 80

An inactive water soluable emulsifying agent which blends the ingredients of mixtures and prevents separating.

Stearic Acid

Derived from a vegetable source (typically palm oil). It is typically utilized as a binder in a tablet ( to hold all the ingredients during compression).

Carnauba Wax

Derived from the pores of the leaves of the Brazilian wax palm tree. It is utilized in the final stage in tablet coating (to provide a complete seal).

Polyethylene Glycol (PEG)

Synthetically derived, water-soluble, waxy solid. It is utilized with Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose as part of the clear coating solution.

Lactose Monohydrate

Present in traceable amount as part of Thyroid USP (diluent)

(1) http://www.drugs.com/pro/triostat.html

Important note: STTM is an information-only site based on what many patients worldwide have reported in their treatment and wisdom over the years. This is not to be taken as personal medical advice, nor to replace a relationship with your doctor. By reading this information-only website, you take full responsibility for what you choose to do with this website's information or outcomes. See the Disclaimer and Terms of Use.

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Thyroid Madness Definition according to many reported patient experiences:

Treating most hypothyroid patients with T4-only meds; offering no options.

Dosing solely by the TSH and the total T4, or using the outdated "Thyroid Panel".

Prescribing anti-depressants in lieu of evaluating and treating the free T3.

THYROID FRIENDS, though I mention below what happened to Naturethroid, comments on this post need to be about WP THYROID ONLY. I won't approve any more about Naturethroid to avoid confusion. There is a link below to click on if…